EasyJet embedding staff uniforms with wearable tech

EasyJet is trialling new staff uniforms with wearable technology embedded within them, such as microphones and LEDs.

The company said that new cabin crew uniforms are being tested which include a number of features designed to boost safety.

Staff are being fitted with LEDs on shoulders and illuminated hems to provide additional lighting in an emergency. LEDs on jacket lapels will also display important information like flight numbers and destinations and in-built microphones will improve communication between the crew, pilots and passengers.

In addition, staff on the ground will be given jackets with LEDs to help with aircraft movement.

Engineers will also be kitted out with embedded video cameras in their clothes that will allow for remote diagnosis of technical issues along with surround sound and a microphone for instant communications.

The airline has teamed up with clothes company CuteCircuit which looks at how embedded wearable technology in clothes can be made fashionable.

CuteCircuit worked closely with easyJet cabin crew and engineers to analyse their everyday movements and design uniforms tailored to their roles.

Tina Milton, head of cabin crew for easyJet, commented: "Our crew’s primary concern is for the safety of all passengers so it is really exciting to be working on this pioneering new technology which could transform the capability of our uniforms, helping crew to be more easily identified in an emergency, as well as helping them to provide great service to passengers.”

The airline’s engineering director Ian Davies said, “With features like the LED hood and video streaming and communications capability, these amazing designs offer very practical solutions for engineers working on the ramp whilst enhancing safety at the same time.”

EasyJet boasts it has long been at the forefront of technology, as in 1998 it became one of the first UK airlines to offer online booking.

In addition, over the summer the airline announced it would start using drones to carry out inspections of its aircraft in order to speed up routine maintenance.